Back injuries impact a large number of people every year. They account for one in five workplace injuries or illnesses and make up a significant portion of the injuries sustained in car accidents. These are debilitating injuries that can result in severe pain and could prevent you from living your life as you used to.
If you have sustained a back injury because of another party’s misconduct, it’s vital to know what your legal options may be. Learn more about common back injuries and how to fight for compensation to recover your losses.
From minor strains to catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, there are numerous types of back injuries you can sustain. Here are some of the most common ones:
Some of the most common back injuries involve soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. A sprain occurs when a ligament stretches or tears, while a strain is the stretching of a tendon or muscle. Most of the time, sudden twists, awkward movements, or improper lifting of heavy objects are the causes of these injuries.
Between the bones that make up your spine (called vertebrae) are structures that cushion them. These structures are called discs, and they’re filled with a gel-like substance that can bulge (or herniate) outward as a result of trauma or wear and tear. Herniated discs can put pressure on nerves and other spinal structures, resulting in pain and mobility issues.
Some herniated discs will require surgery. It’s likely that you’ll also need to do physical therapy to get back to your normal life.
A traumatic event, like a slip and fall or a motor vehicle accident, can place enough force on your back to break your vertebrae. Aside from causing severe pain, fractured bones in your spine can impact mobility and sensation. They could damage nerves and potentially cause harm to your spinal cord, too.
Fractured vertebrae often require surgery. The recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, making it difficult to return to work and live a normal life.
As a result of trauma or certain medical conditions, your spinal canal can narrow, putting pressure on your nerves and nerve fibers. With spinal stenosis, you can experience a significant amount of pain, along with a loss of motion or sensation in the affected areas of the spine.
Although less common than some of the other injuries listed, spinal cord injuries can occur in the most severe accidents. Speeding crashes, for example, or truck accidents, can damage the nerves that make up your spinal cord. You may experience numbness or tingling at the site of the injury, or even paralysis.
If someone else’s negligence caused your back injury, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. A successful claim may allow you to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your injury.
Being partially responsible for an accident does not necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation. Many states follow comparative negligence laws, which may reduce the amount of compensation you receive based on your percentage of fault. Depending on the laws of your state, shared fault may also limit or prevent recovery in certain situations.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence to establish liability, and advocate for the maximum compensation available under the applicable law.
Workplace accidents can also cause back injuries. Repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects without the right safety equipment or training, or being struck by heavy machinery can all result in injuries. In these instances, you may need to file for workers’ compensation.
Many employers have to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who suffer work-related illnesses or injuries. Because of this, you generally cannot sue them. However, you might be able to initiate legal action against third parties who may have contributed to your injuries.
Back injuries often result in severe pain and lasting medical needs. If another party’s misconduct caused your losses, you may have the right to file a claim and hold them liable. To do so, you need assistance from experienced personal injury attorneys.
At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our team can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation at (385) 462-7630.
We serve Austin, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
